Cheese pie

Cheese Pie – a recipe that combines tradition with exquisite taste! This pie made with puff pastry, cream cheese, meringue, raisins, and oranges is a dessert that will delight anyone's taste buds. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet, this recipe is simple and quick, yet with an impressive result. Let’s discover together the necessary steps to achieve a pie that everyone will love!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 9 servings (depending on slice)

Necessary ingredients

- 1 package of puff pastry (about 400 g)
- 1 egg for brushing the dough
For the cream cheese:
- 4 tubs of fluffy cheese (about 600 g – I recommend Delaco fluffy cheese, but you can use any cheese you prefer)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 egg whites
- Zest of orange and lemon (candied, in a jar) – about 2 tablespoons
- Raisins (about 100 g)

Preparation scenario

Step 1: Preheating the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 200°C (high heat). This step is essential to achieve a perfectly crispy crust on the pie.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
Take the puff pastry out of the freezer and let it warm to room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Once softened, cut it into two equal parts to form the base and the lid of the pie.

Step 3: Making the cream cheese
In a large bowl, beat the 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy. Gradually add the 4 tablespoons of sugar and the vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until the sugar is no longer felt and the meringue becomes shiny and firm.

In another bowl, combine the 4 tubs of fluffy cheese with the 2 egg yolks. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Now, carefully fold the meringue into the cheese mixture, being careful not to let it deflate.

Step 4: Assembling the pie
On a baking tray lined with parchment paper, place the first part of the dough. Pour the cream cheese evenly, and then sprinkle the candied orange and lemon zest, as well as the raisins, here and there. These ingredients will not only add a delicious flavor but also an attractive visual aspect to the pie.

Cover with the other half of the dough, trim the excess dough, and brush the pie with the beaten egg to achieve a golden and shiny crust. Prick the pie with a fork in several places to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Baking
Place the pie in the preheated oven at 200°C. Bake for 5-10 minutes at high heat to allow the dough to rise, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the pie is nicely browned.

Chef's tip
For an extra flavor, you can also add a bit of vanilla essence or a splash of rum to the cream cheese. Additionally, if you want to make the pie even more special, try adding some finely chopped nuts to the filling!

Nutritional information
Each serving of pie contains approximately:
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g

The nutritional benefits of this pie include calcium from the cheese, as well as vitamins and antioxidants from the orange and lemon zest.

Variations and serving suggestions
This pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It also pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a sweet wine for an unforgettable evening.

Frequently asked questions
1. What type of cheese can I use?
You can use any fluffy cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.

3. Is it possible to freeze the pie?
Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Make sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious cheese pie, all that’s left is to get started! I wish you good luck and bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 puff pastry; 1 egg for brushing the pastry; for the cheese cream: 4 boxes of cheese and sour cream; 4 tablespoons of sugar; 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar; 2 eggs + 2 egg whites; orange and lemon zest (kept in sugar, in a jar); raisins